The thought of doing a marathon can send a shiver up the spine of even the most experienced of runners - completing one is an even more daunting task.
While many shy away from the challenge, Envirocare supported employee Timon Sideris has his eyes firmly set on completing some of the most famous marathons across the world.
Timon competed in this year’s Boston Marathon, which saw more than 30,000 competitors take on the tough, hilly 42.2-kilometre course.
In only his second marathon, Timon ran a personal best time of 3:24:37 hours, finishing 8085th overall. However, his impressive run saw him finish third overall in the T20 class (athletes with an intellectual disability).
For the first time ever, the T20 class was introduced to the Boston Marathon, and Timon hopes the other five Abbott World Marathon Majors follow suit.
“Once you complete a marathon, you get that bug and want to do another one,” Timon said.
“My goal is to get a Six Star Medal by completing all of the Abbott World Marathon Majors – London, Berlin, Boston, Chicago, New York and Tokyo.”
Timon’s impressive run in Boston is unsurprising, considering the 28-year-old’s dedication to his training. In the lead-up to the marathon, Timon was running 80-100 kilometre per week.
A member of the Hills District Athletics Club, Timon is surrounded by many elite athletes. He also receives coaching through RunAsOne, which was founded by elite runners.
Olympian Izzi Batt-Doyle and elite distance runner Riley Cocks are two of Timon’s coaches at RunAsOne. Under the tutelage of some of Australia’s best runners, the sky is the limit.
Despite recording an impressive time in Boston, the 28-year-old has his eyes firmly set on the national T20 record of 3:12 hours.
“I am confident I can beat the record if I continue to train hard. It’s hard to lower your time, but I feel like I have plenty of years left in me,” Timon said.
With two marathons officially into his legs, Timon said he is excited to work towards his next big race, the Gold Coast Marathon in July.
Although the 28-year-old has his eyes on personal success, he believes promoting the positive health benefits of running is just as an important.
Timon explained that while running has many physical benefits, it also has the power to bring people together and deliver positive social outcomes.
Backed by a supportive family that loves running just as much as him, Timon is poised to achieve his marathon goals one step at a time.